Our world is in turmoil, yet beautiful, joyful events and moments still occur. Recently,

millions of people watched as Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle, now the Duke and

Duchess of Sussex, were united in a lavish, yet touchingly personal, ceremony in St.

George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle in England. The homilist for the wedding was the Pre-

siding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, USA, the Right Rev. Michael B. Curry. It was

fitting that he talked about the power—the fire—of love on the day before the Feast of Pentecost, Sunday,

May 20th!

Much has been made of a bi-racial American woman marrying into the white Royal Family of Great Britain,

one of the great colonizers and Domination Systems in history. But Pentecost was all about breaking down

barriers. That’s the point of the story in the second chapter of the Book of Acts, which depicts the disciples

speaking in other languages on the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, the 50th day after the Passover (for Chris-

tians, the 50th day after Easter; Pentecost means “fifty”). The people who had come from all over the Ro-

man Empire for the festival could understand the Good News, the gospel, each in their own tongue, their

first, or heart, language. The disciples could have spoken in Hebrew or Latin, the language of the Empire,

the Domination System of their day. But on the cross, Jesus defeated Rome and all Domination Systems.

The kingdom of this world became the kingdom of God and of God’s Messiah (Rev 11:15). The statement,

“Jesus is Lord,” was powerful, and dangerous, in a world where Caesar claimed to be the lord of lords;

saying otherwise, even privately, could cost you your life. But the disciples spoke out courageously, because

they knew that they were citizens of the Kingdom of God. Let Caesar and his subordinates do their worst,

for Jesus had broken death’s power and torn down all other barriers that separate us from God and one

another when he declared “It is finished!” In Christ, Paul tells us, there is no male nor female, no Jew nor

Gentile, no slave nor free (Gal 3:28). We are all One, as our triune God is One. As we’re told in Genesis

1:27, we have all been created in the Image of God. God is genderless and all genders, mother and father,

no race and all races, God is Spirit, God is love, God is servant, God is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

It may not look like it, but the Kingdom of God is here, is now. Now and not yet, as we theologians say.

Whenever we who are called by Christ’s name spread the fire of love throughout the world by feeding the

hungry, welcoming the refugee, standing up for the poor, the orphan, and the oppressed, speaking out

against racism, violence, bigotry, misogyny—in other words, injustice in all forms—we give the world a

glimpse of it.

On Pentecost Sunday two young teens, Isabella Earll and Joseph Wiltjer, affirmed their baptisms and were

confirmed (see pictures inside). Of course, as I tell all confirmands, confirmation is life-long. In baptism we

are reborn into discipleship, receiving the Pentecost Spirit in water and fire. As we grow older, we renew

our baptismal vows daily in service to God and others, only completing our baptisms when we go to be

with God in Eternity. I pray that Joe and Bella will enjoy full and happy lives and live to healthy, peaceful ripe

old ages; and that, when they come to the ends of their days, having lived as Easter people, with the fire of

Pentecost burning in their hearts, they’ll hear the Lord say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant..”

Pastor

From the Pastor’s Desk

May 25, 2018

The Church Mouse

Minister:

Rev. Dr. Larry G. Schneekloth

Church Officers:

President: Nancy Griffin

Vice President: Jan Nicholas

Recording Secretary: Dona Gage

Treasurer: Phyllis King

Financial Secretary: Jan Nicholas

Elders: Ida Dickerson, Berdine

McManus, Richard Kuyper

Trustees: Ronald Baker, Jason

Hill, Matt Phillips

Easter-Pentecost Issue

Worship with Holy Communion moves to 9 a.m.,

Sunday, May 27th—Sunday, September 2nd.

Page 2 The Church Mouse

MLC Worships, Works and Celebrates

On Christ the King Sunday several people pitched in to decorate the church for Advent and Christmas 2017. That’s

always a wonderful time, but 2018 has already had its share of great experiences, too. In February, MLC observed

“Fat Sunday,” including February birthdays. Ash Wednesday came early this year, falling on Valentine’s Day! Later in

the month we celebrated Black History Month with a wonderful display of Black art and publications and a coffee hour

meal of southern favorites prepared by Ida Dickerson, Sharron Davis, and Mary Molnar. Everything was out-

standing, with Ida’s corn pudding and Sharron’s greens being the hits of the party. They were assisted in

serving and clean-up by William, Joe and Elizabeth Wiltjer.

Matt Phillips finished up the new windows in the “old church.” As part of a community service project, Kristen

Horlacher washed all the pews in the nave, among other jobs around the church. This year we purchased EcoPalms

for our Palm Sunday service. They are sustainable and Fair Trade. MLC’s seven week long Easter celebration began

with water and light as we welcomed the Light of Christ back into the nave and chancel and reaffirmed our baptism

promises at Easter Sunday’s 6:30 a.m. vigil. On Easter morning, when the sun comes up in the east and shines on the

altar, it is stunning. After the service, we enjoyed the delicious breakfast prepared by Bernie Postlewaite. People

are still raving about it! Thank you, Bernie. And thank you Meredith Postlewaite, Dona Gage, and Faith

Zaborac for helping. Thanks, also, to Nancy Griffin for donating the ham. Our10:15 a.m. Festival Easter service was

joyous. Many thanks to Pastor and all the liturgical ministers—Rosemary, Sharron Davis, Elizabeth Wiltjer, and

the choir; organists Phyllis King and Jason Hill, the ushers, led by Tracy, Mike, Ron, and Richard. On May 6th,

the 6th Sunday of Easter, we celebrated the baptism of Connor David Gerdez, son of Scott and Beth. Connor’s

great-grandma, and grandparents, long-time members June Beno and David and Cindy Gerdez were there, too.

Pictured, l to r: Preparing for Advent and Christmas; William, Mary Molnar, Elizabeth, Arriana, Joe, Angela Davis, Ida Dickerson, Sharron Davis, and Anaya; after our Black History Month commemoration/celebration; William; Nicholas, Faith Zaborac, and Richard Kuyper, Feb. birthdays; Kristen Horlacher; Kris Findlay and William, April birthdays; Meredith and Bernie Postlewaite getting ready for Palm Sunday; Joe, Palm Sunday acolyte;

Elizabeth, Easter Sunday acolyte; Sharron and Pastor, Easter Sunday; Passing the Peace; Bernie with Easter Sunday breakfast spread; The Gerdez family after Connor’s baptism; Nicky; Dr. and Mrs. (Stacy) Philip Blankenship; Tracy, Phil, and Mike; Pastor congratulating Father Thadeo Mgimba of

St. Gerard’s on the 10 year anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood

Page 3 The Church Mouse

MLC Worships, Works and Celebrates, cont’d.

We joyfully kept The Great 50 Days of Easter, which culminated in Pentecost and Isabella Earll’s and Joseph

Wiltjer’s affirmations of Baptism. We were all moved by their statements of faith. (During the previous week, our

new carpeting had been installed. Thank you, Women’s Guild, for paying for it, and Matt Phillips for paying for the

installation.)

Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia! And he has great things in store for us!

Pictured, l to r: The nave and chancel, ready for worship; Pastor, Bella, and Joe; Pastor blessing Bella; Pastor blessing Joe

Church Grounds’ Clean-Up

Please join us on Sunday, June 3rd, after coffee hour (approx. 10:30 a.m.) to clean-up the grounds and get the church

looking great for summer. Lunch will be provided. Please sign-up or let Nancy know you’ll be participating so she

can plan how much food to prepare. Many thanks.

Bake-off: Sunday, June 17, 2018, during coffee hour; please talk to Meredith

Postlewaite about signing up to compete. She will tell you the two top secret bake-

off items from which you can choose!

VFW Fundraiser for Markham Lutheran and St. Gerard Majella Roman

Catholic Churches Update

We’d like to express our appreciation for and thanks to the Markham, IL VFW #9801, 3220 W. 159tth St., for

hosting the April 27th pork chop dinner for St. Gerard’s and MLC. The food was excellent! Proceeds were shared

between MLC and St. Gerard’s. Each church received $1,700.00! Thank you good friends at the VFW, Bill Barron

for organizing the event, and all who bought tickets.

Sauk Trail Chapter, NSDAR May Celebrations

Sauk Trail’s Antiques Road Show: What’s In Your Closet?

Website: http://www.markhamlutheranchurch.org/

E-mail: MLCoffice@markhamlutheranchurch.org

3518 W. 160th St.

Markham, IL 60428

MARKHAM LUTHERAN

CHURCH

Phone: 708-331-4885

“Like” us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @MarkhamLutheran

Remember the Past + Celebrate the Present + Expect the Future

Worship with Holy Communion: 9

a.m., May 27—Sept. 2, 2018

Confirmation and Choir Rehearsal will resume again in fall 2018; see MLC

website for details.

Illuminate

Wednesday, 6 p.m.

Morning Star

Tuesday, 11 a.m.

All are welcome. Illuminate meets in the Adult Forum room on the south side of the nave. Morning Star meets in

the home of a member. Talk to Berdine

or Rosemary for more information!

Women’s Guild’s Spring 2018 Luncheon Report

Faith in Place in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy is looking for youth from

Markham and the surrounding southland communities to join them for a hands-on learning

program that will connect them to the natural world. The focus of the Eco-Ambassadors

program: development, awareness, appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of the prairies

and other natural assets within the city of Markham and in the surrounding southland re-

gion. Application due by May 31, 2018.

Program Details: 10-12 students ages 14-18 (1st yr. college students wel-come); based at Household of Faith located in Markham; 6 week summer pro-ject (June 26th-August 8th); Work week: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (or Saturday), 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., approx. 15-20 hours per week; $125 weekly stipend, paid bi-weekly by check For more information and the application: https://www.faithinplace.org/news/join-eco-ambassadors-youth-program-summer

April—June Birthdays of Members and Friends

April: Leslie King, William Wiltjer, 4/6; Jan King, 4/10; William Morgan, 4/14; Robert

Molnar, 4/15; Rodney Phillips, 4/16; Adam Neeley, 4/17; Stephen Beno, Jr., Wayne Colosi-

mo, 4/19; Mitchel King, 4/23; Richard Johnson, 4/24; Kristine Findlay, Zachary Vaught,

4/25; Alyssa Mankiewicz, 4/26; Kevin Crowl, Paulie Neeley, 4/27; Joshua Kustra, 4/29;

May: Luke Phillips, 5/2; Liliane Jenkins, Janet Phillips, Amanda Wiltjer, 5/5;Diana Knaack,

5/7; Alyssa Ivey, 5/12; Samantha Martin, 5/13; Katie O’Hern, 5/19; Vernon Johnson, Eliza-

beth Wiltjer 5/20; Janet Huffman, Richard O’Hern, Jr., 5/24; Jim Gage, 5/25; Janice Tincher,

5/26; Lola Findlay, Glen Gage, Jr., 5/28; Jason Horlacher, 5/29; Sandra Martin, Ronda McIn-

tire, Renee Moran, 5/30; Vernelle Cloney, 5/31; June: Dawn Ehrhart, 6/1; Kyle Knaack,

Colin Postlewaite, 6/2; Joan Quackenbush, 6/4; Brian Crowl, 6/5; Cheryl Colosimo Hen-

shaw, 6/6; Sarah Simon Woodrick, 6/7; Kurtis Blankenship, Diane Zwiener, 6/9; Jack Geni-

us, Phyllis King, 6/17; Paul Haberstock, 6/20; Dorothy Schroll, 6/22; Ruth Crowl, Jennifer

Ferucci, 6/24; Henry Baasch, Jr., 6/25; Alyssa Gage, 6/27; Michael McIntire, Amy Vaught,

6/28; Melissa Vaught, 6/29; Abby Mankiewicz, Diana Carr, 6/30

Study Groups

Confirmation & Choir

Services

Nature Conservancy—Faith in Place Teen Internship

The spring luncheon, held on April 19th, was another great success. The Women’s Guild

earned $80.00 from Split the Pot, $107.00 from raffles, $80.00 from the Bazaar, and

$146.00 from the bake sale. Ticket sales and donations came to $1,289.00, for a total of

$1,702.00!